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Updated on
December 06, 2011,
M..
asks from Anchorage, AK
on
December 05, 2011

People Who Don't Cover Their Mouth When They Sneeze

Hi Moms, one of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't cover their mouth when they sneeze. That's just gross! My assistant at work does this. She sneezes 5 to 6 times a day and does not cover her mouth. Ewwww! It makes me feel like I am breathing in all the germs she just sneezed out. Is there a polite way to ask someone to cover their mouth without offending them? As a person, I adore her but this is starting to really gross me out! Thanks in advance.

Featured Answers

☼.S.
answers from Los Angeles
on
December 05, 2011

You're just going to have to come right out with it, I agree with Abbie. And since you have to play mommy to her anyway, ask her to sneeze into her arm, instead of using her hands to cover her mouth. Yuck.

Have your boss send out a flier about remembering to cover our coughs and sneezes as a courtesy to others in the office. They can add something about the weather and how we all want to stay healthy so just a reminder.

That way you dont feel awkward asking but also that everyone else gets the memo.

I sneeze into the inside of my elbow. That way my hands aren't full of sneeze germs. I taught my kids to do that too.

How about you buy a can of Lysol and spray it around when your assistant sneezes. When she looks at you funny, tell her that since she doesn't cover when she sneezes, you have to do something to keep from getting her germs! Laugh when you say it, and the next time you sneeze, sneeze into your sleeve and tell her that you don't want to sneeze in your hand so that you don't give her your germs by touching stuff.

You're just going to have to come right out with it, I agree with Abbie. And since you have to play mommy to her anyway, ask her to sneeze into her arm, instead of using her hands to cover her mouth. Yuck.

I believe the correct way to sneeze without spreading germs is to sneeze into your elbow which is what I do. Ewwwww is right. Don't know how you would ask her without offending her. Maybe buy her a pretty box of tissues and say - I notice you sneeze a lot - maybe you're allergic to work? I thought you might appreciate a box of tissues so you can cover your nose - it's cold and flu season.

She's your assistant. Next time she does it, make a 'gross' face/ eyeroll and use the sarcastically funny voice and say, "EEEWWW! Thanks for that. I needed your snot germs today. I love you, but next time, cover your mouth with your elbow so you don't spread germs please!"

I mean really, this isn't like body odor or halitosis (where the condition is not that person's fault). I don't think telling someone to cover their mouth when they sneeze should be offensive to anyone. She may be embarrassed at first (not offended) but you and everyone else will be happier in the long run.